AVIXA Recognized AV Technologist Practice Test

In a three-point lighting system, the key light is positioned as the primary light source illuminating the subject. It is typically the brightest of the three lights in the setup because its purpose is to define the subject's features and provide the main illumination. The key light creates depth and dimension, establishing the mood and visual appeal of the scene.

The fill light complements the key light by softening shadows and reducing contrast, but it is usually set to a lower intensity than the key light to maintain depth. The backlight (or hair light) serves to separate the subject from the background and adds a highlight to the contour of the subject, often positioned behind the subject and illuminated at a lower brightness level compared to the key. A wall wash might not even be part of the three-point lighting system; it serves a different lighting function by illuminating the background or walls, rather than directly highlighting the subject.